1998 Kia Sephia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 14%of 491 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 14% of the 491 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a 1998 Kia Sephia from toyota carlsbad 2 years ago in may, 2001 that I paid cash for. Right after I bought the Kia Sephia the check engine light came on. I took it back to toyota carlsbad and they told me that I didn't put the gas cap back on correctly. August, 2002 the check engine light came back on. I took it to my mechanic at future automotive in rancho bernardo and he told me it was the transmission. Future automotive sent the car to mike's transmission in poway. Mike worked and worked on the transmission. It was in his shop four times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070176, filed 2004-01, 44,508 miles“I bought a 1998 Kia Sephia in feb of 2000 I have had to replace 3 gear shifters and three transmissions and the car has only been driven 2/3 of the time that I have owned this car. My signal light on one side has never really worked properly and the the headlight constantly shorts out. Of course now I'm out of warranty and still experiencing these problems and many more I dont know where else to turn because all I'm ever told is that's a Kia for you. I still have a loan of this car and dont think it's right that almost every year the gear shifter and trans need to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10045388, filed 2003-11, 42,000 miles“I brought a new Kia Sephia in 1998, and had nothing but trouble with it! Transmission was replaced 2 times by the mechanic for Kia motors, and needed to be replaced again on 7/2007. Also , the brakes have been replaced 4 times and need to be replaced again. Now the headlights keep turning off while driving at night, but no mechanic can locate the electrical short problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10196733, filed 2007-07, 80 miles“Vehicle wouldn't start intermittently. About a month ago it started to happen more frequently. Shifter assembly was replaced. Vehicle would also roll while in park. Dealer told consumer that transmission would have to be replaced to solve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10033809, filed 2003-08, 12,800 miles“I have had my car for about 7 months, and I have found out that it had 5 recalls and the problems I have had consists of check engine light coming on and o/d light flashing. Also, car acts as if it does not want to go into gear. When it is put into reverse it also seems as if hesitate to crank up as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10041479, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 17% |
| 2001 | 18 | 17% |
| 2000 | 50 | 19% |
| 1999 | 71 | 17% |
| 1998 | 68 | 14% |
| 1997 | 30 | 15% |
| 1996 | 13 | 11% |
| 1995 | 12 | 19% |
| 1994 | 5 | 31% |
Other parts of the 1998 Kia Sephia
256 complaintsEngine cooling
108 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsSuspension
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Kia Sephia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology